Player of the Week in Defeat

            For junior Matt Mirabito goals, assists, and excellence all come in multiples of two.

The attacker for the Pace Setters (4-5, 3-3) pilled up eight points on four goals and four assists in just two games to earn the NE-10 Conference player of the week this past week.  The Binghamton resident has taken this honor in stride with the rest of the season.

“I am happy that I have been recognized for my play,” Mirabito said. “Sure it is something for my family and teammates to brag about, but this season is far from over and there is still work to be done.”

Mriabito’s good play did continue in the Setters afternoon 10-2 loss to the Adelphi Panthers (8-2, 4-2). The reigning conference player of the week scored a goal in the third quarter against the sixth ranked panthers.

Even in defeat Mariabito’s teammates were raving about his play. Matt Ruppert scored the game’s second goal, and he had nothing but complements about his award winning teammate.

“Mariabito has been on one of those kinds of rolls we all want to have,” Ruppert said. “Let me put it this way, I’m glad that he is on our team the way he has been tearing it up.”

The reigning NE-10 player of the week’s success has not been limited to just his conference. Mariabito’s 22 assists this season are more than any other player in Division II play.

Even though the Setters lost by eight goals, Mariabito and Ruppert showed great chemistry. Ruppert’s goal was assisted on by Mariabito and the reigning NE-10 player of the week’s goal was coincidentally assisted on by Ruppert.

“I guest that’s one of those quirky things that you don’t really think about until after it happens,” Mariabito said. “The two of us were in sync out there, but I would have been happier if it resulted in a win.”

The Setters next chance to get a win comes this Saturday against the Purple Knights of Saint Michaels (6-2, 2-2). The two teams meet for the first time this season.